Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand

Sindhi Press – For April 12
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Ibrat
Since installation of present democratic government, two major parties- PPP and PML-N have been in dual type of relations. Some times they demonstrate friendly, while some others times locked in confrontation. People hoped, following restoration of judges both the parties would have cordial relations. PPP while taking the lead filed review petition regarding disqualification of Sharif brothers, which led to a court and restoration of Shahbaz Sharif government in Punjab. It was expected that PML-N would drop the path of confrontation and opt for friendship and reconciliation. Unfortunately that did not happen.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) does not plan to join the Pakistan People’s Party-led federal government. The apparent reason behind this decision seems to be deepening economic crisis, load shedding, lawlessness, unemployment and other pressing problems. At this juncture who ever would rule the country, he will have to suffer loss politically.
Nawaz Sharif has conditioned the joining of federal government with implementation on Charter of Democracy and the 17th Amendment. In retaliation PPP was taking position to sit in the opposition in Punjab. PPP has indicated that it would the PPP would only join the Punjab government if the Sharifs’ party agreed to join the cabinet at the centre. President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to make a last ditch effort to coax the PML-N into joining the federal cabinet; otherwise the PPP would sit on the opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly. PPP leadership considers it an ideal situation, if PPP joins PML-N led Punjab government, and PML-N joins cabinet at centre. Further more there was a clear difference between the central and provincial government over Swat agreement.
What else can be reconciliation? Such reconciliation never was witnessed in the history. President Zardari has complained about aggressive position taken by the PML-N. It was the very aggressive attitude which has endangered the democracy. A few weeks back, we witnessed many a speculations giving an impression that any thing would happen at any time.
We think, that it is responsibility of Nawaz Sharif to adapt path of reconciliation. To government in Punjab was his biggest wish which was fulfilled. There are number of pressing problems which needs earlier attention of all the responsible people. This list includes drone attack, terrorism, financial crises and many more. Presently it is only PPP which was facing all these problems. Cooperation is essential for the welfare of the country. ANP is a coalition partner at centre, but it is only limited at the provincial level.
There is no way out of the problems facing Pakistan except for cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. Strange enough, Nawaz Sharif despite understanding this critical situation faced by the country is not extending cooperation. This would tantamount to confrontation in the name of reconciliation.
PML-N which claims to be democratic and well wisher of the country should come forward and instead of verbose take some steps practically in the greater interest of the people and the country – (April 11)

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi